Analysis & Reports

The Javelin missile system is experiencing logistical and economic challenges in Ukraine, leading to a reliance on cheaper FPV drones for anti-tank operations. Despite its high reliability, the Javelin's production cannot meet Ukraine's needs, prompting a shift in tactics. The Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to use Javelins, but their prominence has diminished due to the effectiveness of drone technology.

The Iranian Navy has declared full control over the Strait of Hormuz as of March 3, 2023, with more than ten oil tankers reportedly hit by artillery shells. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy warned that the Strait is in a state of war, and vessels are prohibited from passing through. Despite warnings, multiple oil tankers were struck and set ablaze.

The U.S. Navy has fired over 400 Tomahawk missiles in three days during Operation Epic Fury against Iran, significantly depleting its stockpile. Current production rates are insufficient to replenish the inventory, leading to concerns about future military capabilities. The U.S. military's stockpile is estimated at 4,000 to 4,150 missiles, with production struggling to keep pace with operational demands. Raytheon is working to increase production to address these challenges.

The U.S. Navy faces a strategic firepower gap as it plans to retire all four Ohio-class SSGNs by 2027, resulting in a loss of 2,080 VLS cells for Tomahawk missiles and other systems. Delays in the Columbia-class submarine program exacerbate this issue, making the extension of the Ohio-class submarines a strategic necessity to maintain nuclear deterrence and conventional strike capabilities. The retirement of Ticonderoga-class cruisers by 2030 further complicates the Navy's missile power.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted long-range strikes deep inside Iran on Sunday night, targeting ballistic missile facilities and command-and-control infrastructure. This operation, part of Operation Epic Fury, aimed to degrade Iranian ballistic missile capabilities. CENTCOM reported that over 1,700 targets were struck within the first 72 hours of the operation.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted long-range strikes deep inside Iran on Sunday night, targeting ballistic missile facilities and command-and-control infrastructure. This operation, part of Operation Epic Fury, aimed to degrade Iranian missile capabilities. CENTCOM reported that over 1,700 targets were struck within the first 72 hours of the operation.

The U.S. Air Force is evaluating its bomber capacity amid ongoing operations in Iran, highlighting the need for at least 200 B-21 Raiders to ensure effective power projection against potential threats in the Indo-Pacific. Current assets include 19 B-2 Spirits, 76 B-52Hs, and 45 B-1Bs, with operations consuming precision munitions and tanker resources. Analysts warn that the existing fleet may not suffice for simultaneous conflicts.

The Massachusetts Air National Guard utilizes a portable cyber system called the Agile Cyber Training Environment (ACTE) for cyber warfare training. Developed by Senior Master Sgt. Taylor Gow, the system enhances training accessibility and allows for the processing of drone images. It is part of the U.S. Air Force’s Spark Tank initiative and aims to improve cyber warfare capabilities.

The Massachusetts Air National Guard utilizes a portable cyber system called the Agile Cyber Training Environment (ACTE) for cyber warfare training. Developed by Senior Master Sgt. Taylor Gow, the system enhances training accessibility and allows for the processing of drone images. It is part of the U.S. Air Force’s Spark Tank 2026 initiative and has been used in collaboration with various military and law enforcement personnel.

Qatar shot down two Iranian Su-24 aircraft near Al Udeid Air Base, marking a significant escalation in the regional conflict. Over the past 24 hours, Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain experienced extensive missile and drone attacks, resulting in multiple casualties. The US reported six personnel killed, while Israel targeted Iranian state media facilities. Qatar's LNG production disruption is affecting European energy markets.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Mar 03 2026Loading...

On March 3, 2026, Qatari air defense forces shot down two Iranian Su-24 Fencer aircraft that violated Qatari airspace during attacks on Al Udeid Air Base. In retaliation, Iran launched a significant barrage of missiles and drones against Gulf states, including Kuwait and the UAE, marking a critical escalation in regional military operations. This incident represents a pivotal shift in Qatar's military engagement with Iran, indicating a collapse of the previous managed coexistence framework among Gulf states.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Mar 03 2026Loading...

Sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln marked GBU-31 bombs with names and messages in preparation for loading onto an F/A-18 strike fighter on February 28, 2026. This practice, a long-standing military tradition, was documented in photos released by U.S. Central Command. The GBU-31 bombs, part of the Joint Direct Attack Munition system, are being prepared for operations related to Iran.

The U.S. and Israel are conducting military actions against Iran, which may hinder Ukraine's access to critical weapons like Patriot missiles. Ukrainian President Zelensky has raised concerns about the impact of these actions on military support for Ukraine, suggesting a potential reduction in missile supplies. He also proposed sending drone experts to assist Middle Eastern nations in countering Iranian drone threats. European officials are worried about the depletion of U.S. missile stocks affecting Ukraine's defense capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force is evaluating the transition to advanced aircraft, including the F-22 Super, F-35, F-47 NGAD, and B-21 Raider, to enhance its capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. Current operations in Iran have demonstrated the effectiveness of existing aircraft, but future conflicts may necessitate these upgrades. The F-47 is projected to cost $300 million per unit, while the B-21 Raider aims for a production goal of at least 100 units.

Photonis Defense secured a $352.6 million contract from the US Army for the Binocular Night Observation Device (BiNOD) programme. This contract was awarded by the US Army Contracting Command, indicating a significant investment in military observation technology.

U.S. Armed Forces are conducting military strikes against over 1,700 targets in Iran as part of an ongoing campaign that began in early February 2026. Lawmakers are discussing supplemental defense funding to replenish munitions, including Tomahawk missiles and air defense systems, amid concerns about the depletion of U.S. stockpiles. The U.S. Central Command has confirmed the use of various munitions in response to Iranian attacks.

Iran's Islamic Republic Air Force (IRIAF) has been largely absent from sustained air operations against U.S. and Israeli forces, relying instead on missile and drone strikes. As of March 2026, the IRIAF's fleet consists mainly of outdated Cold War-era aircraft, which cannot compete with advanced fifth-generation fighters. Reports indicate that Iran's military strategy is shifting towards ground-based defenses and missile capabilities due to the technical irrelevance of its fighter inventory.

The Iranian military announced that it shot down 6 Hermes drones within the last 24 hours across multiple locations, including Isfahan, Tabriz, and Tehran. This action is part of ongoing military operations, with a total of 35 advanced drones reportedly downed since the beginning of the current conflict.

Christian D. Orr evaluated military aircraft exhibits at the Aviation Museum of Kentucky on March 1, 2026, highlighting the operational status of the F-14A Tomcat and F-4S Phantom, both still used by the Iranian Air Force. The museum plans an expansion in 2028 to include more aircraft, emphasizing its role in preserving military aviation history.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps successfully struck two U.S. THAAD missile defense system targets in the West Asia region on the 3rd of the month. Additionally, the radar at the Ruwais military base in the United Arab Emirates was destroyed a day earlier. These actions indicate a significant escalation in military operations against U.S. defense systems.